latest

NEWS & EVENTS

Feb 15, 2023

DA-BAR TBI program assessed and validated

To validate the results and analysis of the implementation of the Technology Business Incubation (TBI) Program of the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), the bureau convened partner R4D institutions to a five-day validation workshop and proposal writeshop for the expanded program on 6-10 February 2023 at the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna.“We want to come up with a [handbook] that will assist us in implementing and institutionalizing the TBI program at the DA [regional] level. We do understand that the [state universities and colleges] SUCs already have an ongoing TBI program. And we want to identify the possible interventions or support that [DA-BAR] can further provide [to] our SUCs and at the same time strengthen and capacitate our regional offices,” said Kris Thea Marie B. Hernandez, acting assistant Research Program Development Division head and Impact Evaluation and Policy Section head, in her opening remarks.The workshop validated the accuracy of the information gathered, analysis conducted, and recommendations proposed through feedback and suggestions from selected TBI stakeholders covered by the study; facilitated the integration of comments to the final report of the project; and revised and updated the guidelines of the DA-BAR TBI Program.“Entrepreneurial incubation can push agricultural rural development. I encourage you to include the TBI program in your strategic business planning and align it with the National Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization and Industrialization Plan,” said project leader and technology transfer and entrepreneurship expert Glenn N. Baticados in his closing remarks.“If you can actually create your brand, your identity as early as now, that is something worth investing in. Tandaan niyo ‘ yan. Branding is a very important concept when you are dealing with TBI,” he stressed to attending participants from DA-regional offices and SUCs.Meanwhile, the writeshop is expected to produce quality proposals for funding under DA-BAR TBI Program. For 2023, the bureau will be implementing a ladderized funding support to DA regional offices for the assessment, development, and operationalization of their respective TBI programs.Participants included representatives from six DA regional offices, namely Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, Bicol, SOCCSKSARGEN, Cordillera Administrative Region; DA-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute; and four SUCs, namely Capiz State University, Mariano Marcos State University, Pampanga State Agricultural University, and Visayas State University. They are joined by experts from SEARCA and University of the Philippines Los Baños.In 2021, DA-BAR launched its TBI Program, complementing its technology commercialization program, to support DA regional offices and SUCs in effectively transferring the technologies that they have generated. The program was pegged to serve as a concentration hub to facilitate the transfer of mature technologies generated. 

newsevent
Jan 23, 2023

DA-Central Visayas promotes micro-propagation; distributed 30,000 banana plantlets to farmer associations

DA-Central Visayas produced and distributed 30,000 plantlets to active farmer associations of the identified 30 municipalities under the DA-BAR-funded project on the mass production and distribution of quality planting materials through micro-propagation techniques.Thirteen farmer associations from Cebu, 10 from Bohol, 5 from Negros Oriental, and 2 from Siquijor were among the recipients, with target area for planting of 9,000 sqm/1000 plantlets following 3X3m planting distance.Implemented in the three research stations of the DA-Central Visayas: Cebu Experiment Station, Southern Cebu Farming System Research and Development Satellite Station, and Bohol Experimental Station, a half-hectare techno-demo farm in Barili, Cebu, is planted with 550 hills of tissue cultured banana planting materials to showcase banana production using tissue culture planting materials combined with proper cultural management. This provides a learning platform for farmers to apply these technologies on their farms. In order for the project partner associations to understand the processes that the plants go through before they reach them, it was explained how to produce quality banana planting materials in large quantities utilizing the in vitro approach in a laboratory setting. Full procedure was covered, from choosing the optimal explant to stabilizing the plantlets in the laboratory and in nursery. Also presented was an interactive discussion on pest control including typical diseases of banana and its management. The trainors-training for agriculture technicians and municipal agriculture officers mustered to mentor the farmers were also conducted. Banana tissue culture or micropropagation uses the shoot tip of daughter suckers. The process consists of five important steps: collection of explants, culture initiation, culture proliferation, rooting of culture, and acclimatization and hardening.Through tissue culture, mass propagation of disease-free planting materials could be achieved in a short period of time.  It also rejuvenates the plants resulting in more vigorous growth, higher yields, better quality fruits, early fruiting, and more uniform crop growth than those by conventional means.The farmers embraced the technology with warm gratitude and appreciation that allowed them to diversify crops in their respective farm areas in an effort to increase production and augment livelihood incomes in the countryside. During the Farmers’ Field Day at the technology demonstration farm in Barangay Gunting, Barili, Cebu, 100 individuals, 80 of which are farmers from various farmer associations assisted by the project attended. The farmer associations were Taloot Farmers Association, Kangdampas Farmer Association, and Lulumpan United Farmers Association.

newsevent
Jan 18, 2023

UPLB-BIOTECH Biofertilizers reviewed for potential mass production

The DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research, along with corn experts, convened in a meeting to discuss the availability and mass production possibilities of biofertilizers developed by University of the Philippines Los Baños -National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH) on 18 January 2023 via Google Meet.The focus of the discussion centered on assessing the feasibility and potential mass production of developed biofertilizers, such as K-Solb, Maizinc, Vamri, and Bioplasma. These biofertilizers, produced through a DA-BAR funded project, address nutrient deficiency problems and diseases in crops, such as corn and cassava. All three fertilizers, except Maizinc, have already been registered with the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority.Project leader and university researcher, Robert A. Nepomucheno, said that UPLB-Biotech has already submitted a proposal for the mass production of Maizinc and K-SolB. He also highlighted the interventions contained in their proposal.He also mentioned that the established mixing plants established in DA-Regional Field Offices (RFOs) can consider mass-producing the biofertilizers.Artemio M. Salazar, one of the corn experts, has recommended that the biofertilizers undergo the Site-Specific Nutrient Management approach (SSNM) in DA-RFOs to gather detailed data on their effectiveness and compatibility. SSNM is a plant-based approach that can provide guidelines for the effective utilization of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium, which are among the main functions of the developed biofertilizers.“…Kapag nakita na natin yung effectivity niya through SSNM, ilalagay naman natin sa mga existing techno-demos ng DA Operations, pagkatapos ilalagay na natin sa mga model farm,” said Salazar.A biocompatibility study between these biofertilizers was also recommended by the corn experts to determine if users can use these biofertilizers simultaneously.During the evaluation of the products, corn experts Salazar and Candido Damo, agreed with DA-BAR focals to delve into the potential establishment of policies governing the commercialization and utilization of DA-BAR funded projects, including these biofertilizers from BIOTECH. A follow up meeting is  scheduled in February 2024 to discuss the matter.

newsevent
Jan 12, 2023

MD2 pineapple variety introduced in Camarines Norte

Developed sixty years ago to satisfy the demand for pineapple that is not only sweet but also uniform and consistent in size, MD2 —named after Millie Dillard, the wife of the former general manager of Del Monte— has since been cultivated in various tropical countries. Aside from its good eating qualities, this variety is also packed with higher vitamin C content and has a longer shelf life than other pineapple varieties.The DA-Camarines Norte Lowland Rainfed Research Station (CNLRRS) introduced MD2, primarily grown in Mindanao, to six municipalities in Camarines Norte through a project funded by DA-BAR during the prolonged series of lockdowns imposed to curb the spread of the COVID-19. Perhaps the most pressing challenge back then, next to the concrete plans on addressing the local transmission of the virus, was the stability and sufficiency of our food supply. One of the many solutions that DA undertook to address this is to ensure that the supply of quality planting materials remains steady and accessible.In response, DA-BAR funded various projects to intensify the mass production of quality planting materials through mass propagation techniques and protocols of various high value crops across the country. One of which was the planting materials of pineapple in Camarines Norte.On 12 January 2023, project leader Engr. Bella B. Frias of DA-CNLRRS reported the accomplishments of their project on mass propagation of quality planting materials of two pineapple varieties, Queen and MD2, to the DA-BAR monitoring team.“Nakapag-produce tayo ng 15,000 pieces na macropropagated MD2 variety at 7,000 pieces tissue cultured Queen pineapple. Nakapagpagawa tayo ng nursery para sa ating planting materials, nakapag-develop at nakapag-imprenta ng 500 pieces na IEC materials [ukol sa] technology transfer,” she said.“Nakapag-conduct ng anim na training  mula sa pag-produce ng planting materials, pineapple production, financial viability hanggang sa pagma-market ng pinya. Nakapag-establish na rin tayo ng technology demonstration [farms] sa atin mga beneficiaries na sampung farmers at dalawang kooperatiba,” she further added.Beneficiaries of the projects are the Labo Progressive Multipurpose Cooperative and Camarines Norte Primary Cooperative, as well as two individual farmers in Mercedes, three in San Lorenzo Ruiz, two in San Vicente, and three in Basud.A tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DA-Bicol Region, local government units (LGU), and farmer cooperatives stating their duties and responsibility for the sustainability of the project will be done. Stipulated in the MOA is the roll over scheme wherein farmer-beneficiaries will return a corresponding number of planting materials per received pineapple suckers. These suckers will be given to other interested pineapple growers to ensure the availability and security of the quality planting materials. The collection of this repayment will be facilitated by the corresponding LGU where the site has been established.DA-CNLRRS will continuously produce quality planting materials on station to ensure the availability of the planting materials to be given to interested growers.

newsevent
Jan 19, 2023

In-house webinar highlights Oyster Mushroom

Titled, Healthy Snack: Oyster Mushroom Crackers, DA-BAR kicked off its 2023 monthly seminar series with Dr. Emily A. Soriano, project leader of the oyster mushroom project funded by the bureau. The said seminar was held on 19 January 2023 through Cisco Webex and Facebook Live. Best served in pasta and omelets, oyster mushroom is known for their nutritional content such as antioxidants and fiber that can control blood sugar and avoid inflammatory effects. With this, Dr. Soriano and her project staff were able to formulate mushroom crackers made with cassava flour, salt, sugar, and black pepper to provide an alternative snack for vegetarians or people with pre-existing health conditions. These mushroom crackers also contribute to even out high demands for plant-based food. “Lumilitaw na ang mushroom ay nagtataglay ng iba’t ibang klase ng bitamina. Mayroon itong mataas na porsiyento ng iron, calcium, at B-complex na makikita rin sa isang multi-vitamins,” said Dr. Soriano as she also explained that processing oyster mushroom will not compromise its health content, hence, its nutrients are more concentrated. Implemented by DA-Central Luzon, livelihood opportunities were expanded as this was an offshoot project from the previously conducted Community-Based Participatory Action Research on Upland Vegetable-Mushroom Farming. The product, through technology transfer, was able to reach out to several cooperatives and associations such as the Binbin Women Gardeners’ Association (BWGA) located in General Luna, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija. The BWGA is an indigenous peoples women's group that earns through upland farming. However, participatory rural appraisal revealed that the majority of the members have an average monthly income of PhP 5,000 which is considered below poverty threshold. In line with this, the BWGA has adopted the oyster mushroom technology, later on, capacitated on processing mushroom crackers from raw sourcing to packaging. Currently, the BWGA is a manufacturer earning PhP 1,800 weekly by processing 5 kilograms of mushroom crackers. This serves as an opportunity for other cooperatives, associations, and individuals looking for additional income. Fried mushroom crackers weighing 50 grams can be sold at PhP 80 with an investment and net profit of PhP 32.50 and PhP 47.50, respectively. This also has a return on investment (ROI) of 146.15%. Meanwhile, unfried mushroom crackers weighing 100g can be sold at PhP 75 with 97.37% ROI. For 250g, ROI is at 124%.

newsevent
Jan 29, 2024

Farmers engage in field day in Sto. Niño, Cagayan

To immerse the farmers from Sto. Niño and Solana, Cagayan on off-season onion production and balanced fertilization and pesticide use strategy and eventually transfer these technologies to them, the DA-Cagayan Valley organized a field day on 23 January 2024 at Centro Norte, Sto. Niño, Cagayan.Salvador M. Bulda of DA-Nueva Vizcaya Experiment Station (NVES) showcased the off-season onion production technology which included the use of Super Pinoy variety, rain shelter, raised beds, and cropping period of August to December, as well as soil analysis-based fertilizer management and use of calcium boron, and integrated pest management employing the use biocontrol agents such as Trichoderma. The said technology was made available through the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research-funded scaling out project implemented by DA-NVES.Meanwhile, spearheaded by Edelwina T. Valdez and showcased by Rowena A. Fernandez of DA-Southern Cagayan Research  Center, the technologies for vegetable production included  the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers, foliar fertilizer, organic and inorganic pesticide management, biological control, and cultural management practices.“We are thankful to DA-Cagayan Valley for granting us the opportunity to cultivate off-season onions and explore balanced fertilization and pesticide use strategies. Though it was initially challenging, akin to nurturing a newborn, the rewards were evident in the bountiful crop,” said farmer-cooperator Ramon M. Daquioag in mix Ilocano and Filipino.“We wholeheartedly embrace this technology, recognizing its significance in securing our livelihoods and empowering us to educate fellow farmers in other barangays in Sto. Niño, Cagayan,” said farmer-cooperator Charibel T. Uy in mix Ilocano and Filipino.Gracing the activity were DA-Cagayan Valley led by its Research Division chief Chonalyn A. Pascua, Sto. Niño vice mayor Andrew Vincent R. Pagurayan and municipal agriculturist Rosalie S. Tumaneng, and Centro Norte barangay captain Orlando D. Simeon. 

newsevent